U Need FRIES with That: Play explores sex, consent and relationships

Every fall, thousands of new UCalgary students are welcomed to campus at New Student Orientation: a two-day event that helps students settle into the campus community, build friendships and navigate university life. An important aspect in managing these changes is the ability to have conversations about healthy relationships, consent and community.

Now in its second year of production, U Need FRIES with That explores the topics of consent, relationships and communication through an engaging, story-driven format that resonates deeply with students. The play also weaves in key campus supports—such as Campus Safewalk, the UCalgary Recovery Community (UCRC), the Student Conduct Office, and the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Support Office (SGBVPSO)—ensuring students leave not only entertained but also aware of the resources available to them.

Engaging students through story

Written in 2024, by UCalgary MFA student Maxim Vinogradov, U Need FRIES with That replaces a previous orientation play that was suspended during the pandemic. It tells the story of four students navigating challenges such as setting roommate boundaries, leaving a controlling relationship and learning to roll with rejection. By presenting these scenarios through characters’ growth and discovery, the play models what healthy boundaries and consent can look like in everyday life. 

“It was really fun and I was literally paying attention the whole time. Honestly, I would prefer this [format] over having to read something,” says Vreanna Beeler, a first-year Faculty of Arts student. 

“I liked how they gave examples of why you would need to use those services. And it felt like a good way to show how you can help someone who might be going through something similar [to the play’s characters],” adds Petia Pynadath, a first-year Faculty of Science student. 

Making consent memorable

The title’s acronym, FRIES, represents some of the core tenets of consent: Freely-given; Reversible; Informed; Engaged; and Specific. It provides students with a clear, memorable framework for understanding consent. 

“I think folks really engage with a story and a narrative. That’s why we go to the movies or read books[…] we want to hear people’s stories and see our own experiences reflected back to us,” explains Paula Russel, Manager, SGBVPSO.  

With over 10 years of experience in consent education, Russel emphasizes that learning through example is what makes the production so effective. “[In the play], we can actually see different methods that people can ask for consent in ways that aren’t awkward, that are normalized and also part of regular interactions.” 

Creating opportunities for students

Beyond raising awareness, U Need FRIES with That also provides paid opportunities for students in theatre-related fields to gain experience while contributing to campus wellness. 

This year’s production was directed by Jessica Buchanan, an MFA Drama student specializing in directing, alongside Faculty of Arts students Sunny Bao (assistant director), Lucas Tang (stage manager) and a cast of four undergraduate student actors. 

“Consent is such an important part of our lives, and it doesn’t have to be an extreme or scary thing to bring up,” says Buchanan. “Each actor brings their own unique journey as an undergrad — and that’s what will make the play authentic. Next year, it will be a completely different production because there will be a new director and cast, each with their own perspective.” 

Funded by the Students’ Union Quality Money Program and delivered in partnership with the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Support Office, U Need FRIES with That has become a mainstay of New Student Orientation, engaging students through performance-based learning that sparks meaningful conversations about consent and highlights the support network that helps create a safe, open campus environment.